The 27th annual general meeting of the Tenby and Pembrokeshire Branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was held last Wednesday at the Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Fry.

The chairperson, Shelagh Griffin, in welcoming everyone to the meeting also expressed sincere thanks for the hard work members and friends had put in during 2003 resulting in such an excellent total.

Thanks must also go to anyone and everyone who had supported the branch either by helping with collections and events or simply by attending coffee mornings or popping money in collecting boxes and indeed the kind folk who displayed and looked after the collecting dogs.

She wished president, Iris Roblin, and branch member Lynne Tibbott a speedy recovery to good health, and was pleased to note that branch members Jack Crew and John Harris and friend of the branch, George Cavell, were all making good progress.

She especially thanked secretary, Eva Rich, and retiring treasurer, Anne Lillycrop, for their support and concluded by expressing the hope that 2004 would prove equally as successful.

Anne Lillycrop then presented the treasurer's report which showed that just over £17,000 had been banked during 2003, which was on a par with previous years.

At this point the balance sheet was adopted and Mrs. Griffin thanked Mrs. Lillycrop for all her hard work and meticulous care of the branch finances over the last 25 years and presented her with a suitably inscribed plate and a beautiful basket of flowers.

The secretary gave a brief report on the year's events and also sincerely thanked all committee members and helpers for their loyalty and support in helping to raise funds to ensure that guide dogs like 'Angie' would be available as and when required. She also especially thanked Mrs. Griffin and Mrs. Lillycrop and her own husband Ralph for their support.

She said it had been gratifying to note that although several helpers were unable to attend the AGM, they were all very willing to help with future events. She, too, wished to thank the very generous general public for their assistance in helping the branch to raise such an excellent sum.

The election of officers proved to have just one change, John Harris taking over as treasurer, for which everyone was most grateful. Unfortunately, the post of trading secretary would have to remain vacant.

President Iris Roblin, and vice-presidents, Peter Lillycrop and Connie King, were all re-elected. As were all committee members.

Following the close of the meeting, the cycle ride trophies were presented as follows. The Donna Memorial Cup for the best sponsored under 15 - Megan Lillycrop, winning it for the fifth time; Cottage Court Rosebowl for the best sponsored adult - Eirona Jones; The Misses I. and E. Roblin Challenge Cup for the best sponsored team - Kilgetty Scout Group, accepted by Beaver Sam Hodson and chairman Phillip Griffiths.

Photographs of guide dog puppies were also presented to Mr. and Mrs. Barnard, of the Highgate Inn, Hundleton, for their support of GDBA with various fund raising events, and to Joan Powell, of Powell's Holidays, Saundersfoot, for her generous raffle prizes, which was accepted by her sister, Claire Hewson.

The evening concluded with a sumptuous buffet provided by the Cambrian Hotel and an enjoyable natter and noggin in convivial company.